MEGAN VAUGHAN

A while back, I got a phone call from a lovely woman named Cindy. She explained to me that her parents’ 60th wedding anniversary was coming up and she wanted some pictures done for them. I was beyond excited because I’d never done a shoot like this before. Plus, Ruby and Harold sounded like an awesome couple who love the Lord more than anything in the world.

“My folks are connected to the farm in a deep way. Especially my father. He gardens for he and mom, for all the old folks in the neighborhood who can’t garden any more, folks they go to church with, and what’s left over he takes to the homeless shelter. Up until this past year they have raised cattle. My dad is a retired building contractor and my mom was a stay at home mom (5 kids) and help mate for my father in whatever he was doing. They are an amazing couple who I love with all my heart. They served as hard working Christian parents not only talking the talk, but walking the walk. I thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for having such wonderful parents and role models growing up.”

I went and visited them before the session so I could get to know them. The minute Harold opened the door and invited me into their home, I was blasted with memories of my late grandparents. Their home was warm and welcoming. I sat on the couch and listened to their life story and was handed picture after picture of their family, whom they are extremely proud of and love with all their hearts. We laughed, cracked jokes and told stories for over an hour. When saying goodbye, Ruby wrapped her arms around me and gave me a 100% hug. “I hope you don’t mind, but I’m a hugger. I hug everyone,” she said. That works for me because I’m a hugger too! :) After I left, my face hurt from smiling so much, and I felt like I inherited grandparents.

Meet the Coleman’s!

Harold with his beloved tractor. So handsome!

Ruby. Isn’t she beautiful!

Above is my favorite shot.

A beautifully framed 16×20 print of the above image hangs in their home.

I asked Ruby what her favorite Bible verse was. She said, “John 3….” I asked if it was 3:16. She looked me square in the eyes and sarcastically said, “Hunny, that’s everyone’s favorite verse.” And then she cracked up laughing! I never did get her favorite verse so I used John 3:16 for the picture.

Family farm in the background. And on the far right, the first house they lived in. Harold kept telling me to scoot back so I could get the farm in the picture. He didn’t understand how I got them and the farms in one picture! Good ole’ wide angle lenses. I couldn’t explain that one to him. I love this shot because Harold is looking at Ruby and you can see their farm and old house as well.

Look at Harold cheesing so hard!

Their favorite pastime – reading their Bibles together.

Before this picture, I asked if they were comfortable with kissing on the lips. Ruby goes, “Oh sure! We still do that all the time!” When we were walking over to the bench, Ruby was behind Harold and he turned around and said, “Come on hunny, you have to get over here and kiss me!”

After we were done with our session, Harold said, “You know, Ruby told me she hoped we would just snap a couple pictures and be done!” I said, “Ruby, you didn’t really think that did you?” And she goes, “Megan, I’m just glad you are the way you are or this wouldn’t have been any fun at all.” Harold went inside and gave me a bag of apples from their tree, they both gave tight, loving hugs and I was off.

You know that sign families have hanging over their door that says, “All because two people fell in love?”

5 children, 7 grandchildren and 11 great grand children… all because two people fell in love 60 years ago.

Ruby and Harold represent a marriage that everyone should aspire to. I feel completely blessed to have gotten the privilege to meet them and get a glimpse of their wonderful, fulfilling, Christ-centered marriage.

This was an absolutely beautiful story! I pray that people can look on my husband & I with that much love & appreciation in many years! Its nice to see how you incorporated their love for their farm & God in this shoot.

What a neat story & lovely photos!! Reminds me of my great uncle & great aunt who were within one month of celebrating their 75th wedding anniversary (yes, 75th!!!) when my great uncle passed away. They still held hands and kissed and worshipped the Lord together! They were such a blessing and wonderful example to see in this day and age.

What great pictures! My husband and I love watching and reading stories of couples who’ve been married for a long time. That enduring love is so encouraging and so heartwarming to see so I was tickled reading this. BTW, I’m visiting this site through The Time-Warp Wife blog and just happen to live in Campbell County! What are the chances? :-)

Such a wonderful photo shoot and such a wonderful couple to share their blessed life with us! I can only hope and pray that my husband and I can live such a long and blessed life serving the Lord and others. Thank you so much for sharing. I cried happy tears throughout the whole piece!